Writers

NZ Maori beat Australia A to take Pacific Nation Cup

New Zealand Maori found form late in both halves then survived an injury-time penalty scare to upset Australia A and claim the inaugural Pacific Nation Cup rugby title in Sydney today.

New Zealand Maori prevailed 21-18 in a dramatic match at Aussie Stadium, with Thomas Waldrom scoring the decisive try with four minutes remaining before some unnecessary ill-discipline handed Mark Gerrard a lifeline to draw the match and give Australia A the silverware on points differential.

Only required to kick the ball long to wind down the clock, the visitors were penalised at a breakdown 45m out and watched nervously as the former Wallaby's kick slipped under the crossbar.

The narrow miss sparked New Zealand celebrations after Australia A had dominated for vast tracts of an error-ridden match.

New Zealand Maori only discovered their attacking groove in the dying stages of both halves but their perseverance paid dividends each time to cancel out classy tries by league convert Timana Tahu.

The former Kangaroos back opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he bypassed a wonky defensive alignment to outflank Tamati Ellison and Callum Bruce.

Daniel Halangahu added the conversion before the match degenerated as neither side were able to build phases despite perfect underfoot conditions.

New Zealand Maori were undermined by a shambolic lineout early on with four consecutive throws going awry in the first quarter.

An early glitch provided the platform for Tahu's opening try from a 5m scrum but Australia A could not profit again from their spoiling tactics.

Ironically, a botched feed from the home side paved the way for New Zealand Maori to claw their way back into the match when from a turnover prop Jacob Ellison burrowed close to the line before Piri Weepu flicked a pass for Tanerau Latimer to spin over by the goalposts.